Mark 3:8

KJV

And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and [from] beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} from {G575} Jerusalem {G2414}, and {G2532} from {G575} Idumaea {G2401}, and {G2532} from beyond {G4008} Jordan {G2446}; and {G2532} they about {G4012} Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605}, a great {G4183} multitude {G4128}, when they had heard {G191} what great things {G3745} he did {G4160}, came {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they heard what he was doing, great numbers also followed him from Y'hudah, Yerushalayim, Idumea, the territory beyond the Yarden, and the Tzor-Tzidon area.

Berean Standard Bible

Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.

American Standard Version

and from Jerusalem, and from Idumæa, and beyond the Jordan, and about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:8 powerfully illustrates the burgeoning fame and widespread impact of Jesus' ministry, demonstrating that despite escalating opposition from religious authorities, the compelling nature of His miraculous works and authoritative teaching drew immense crowds from diverse and distant regions across Jewish and Gentile territories, all eager to witness and experience His transformative power firsthand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Mark's Gospel, immediately following a period of intense ministry in Galilee where Jesus performed numerous healings and exorcisms, often challenging established religious norms. Crucially, it comes right after Jesus' healing of a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath in the synagogue. This act, a direct confrontation with Pharisaic legalism, provoked a severe reaction: the Pharisees immediately conspired with the Herodians to destroy Jesus ([Mark 3:1-6](/mark/3-1-6 "Mark 3:1-6 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath, Opposition Grows")). Despite this intensifying hostility and the clear danger to His life, Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples ([Mark 3:7](/mark/3-7 "Mark 3:7 - Jesus Withdraws to the Sea")), and rather than diminishing, the crowds continued to swell, underscoring the undeniable appeal and divine authority of His ministry even in the face of mortal threats.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The geographical locations listed in Mark 3:8—Jerusalem, Idumaea, beyond Jordan, and Tyre and Sidon—represent a vast and diverse catchment area, highlighting the unprecedented reach of Jesus' influence. Jerusalem was the religious and political capital of Judea, symbolizing the heart of Jewish life. Idumaea, south of Judea, was the ancient land of Edom, inhabited by people who had been forcibly converted to Judaism. "Beyond Jordan" refers to Perea, a region east of the Jordan River with a mixed Jewish and Gentile population. Tyre and Sidon were prominent Phoenician (Gentile) cities on the Mediterranean coast to the northwest. The fact that people from such varied and distant regions, including Gentile areas, traveled to see Jesus speaks volumes about the desperation for healing and hope, and the extraordinary nature of the reports about Him. Travel was arduous in this era, making the gathering of "a great multitude" from these places a testament to the profound impact Jesus was having.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 3:8 contributes significantly to several key themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **the extensive reach of Jesus' fame**, showing that His influence was not confined to Galilee but extended across Jewish and even Gentile territories, drawing a truly "great multitude" from all directions. This foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel message. Secondly, it highlights **the compelling power of Jesus' ministry**, as people were drawn to Him because they "had heard what great things he did." These "great things" refer to His numerous miracles, healings, and authoritative teachings, which confirmed His divine authority and compassion, making Him a beacon of hope for many who were suffering or seeking truth, as seen in earlier accounts like the healing of many sick and demon-possessed ([Mark 1:32-34](/mark/1-32-34 "Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus Heals Many")). Finally, the eagerness of these vast crowds to travel long distances underscores a deep **human hunger for divine encounter** and a recognition of something profoundly different and powerful in Jesus, a hunger that Jesus consistently met with compassion and authority ([Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _plēthos'_):** A large number of people, a throng, or populace. In this context, it emphasizes the sheer volume and diversity of people gathering, indicating the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry beyond local confines. It signifies not just a crowd, but a significant, almost overwhelming, assembly.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** To perceive by ear, to give audience to, or to understand. This highlights that the crowds were drawn not by random chance, but by specific reports and testimonies of Jesus' actions. It implies an active reception of information that compelled them to seek Him out, signifying the power of His reputation.
* **did (Greek, _poiéō'_):** To make or do, in a very wide application. Here, it refers specifically to Jesus' miraculous works—healings, exorcisms, and authoritative teachings—which served as powerful demonstrations of His divine authority and compassion, compelling people to seek Him out. It underscores the active, powerful nature of His ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and [from] beyond Jordan;":** This clause establishes the broad geographical scope of Jesus' influence within Jewish territories. Jerusalem represents the religious and political heartland, Idumaea (ancient Edom) signifies the southern reach, and "beyond Jordan" (Perea) indicates the eastern extent. This tripartite listing emphasizes that people were coming from all directions within the broader Judean and surrounding Jewish regions.
* **"and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude,":** This expands the geographical reach even further, including Gentile regions to the northwest. Tyre and Sidon were major Phoenician cities, and their inclusion signifies that Jesus' fame transcended ethnic and religious boundaries, drawing even non-Jews. The phrase "a great multitude" underscores the sheer volume of people, emphasizing the overwhelming response to Jesus' ministry.
* **"when they had heard what great things he did,":** This clause provides the primary motivation for the crowds' journey. Their coming was not random but a direct response to credible reports of Jesus' extraordinary actions. "What great things he did" refers to His miracles, healings, and authoritative teaching, which were powerful demonstrations of His divine power and compassion.
* **"came unto him.":** This final clause succinctly states the outcome: despite the distances and difficulties, these vast and diverse crowds actively sought out Jesus. It signifies their intentional pursuit of Him, driven by hope and the compelling evidence of His power.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:8 employs several literary devices to convey the impact of Jesus' ministry. The most prominent is **Geographical Listing**, where specific regions (Jerusalem, Idumaea, beyond Jordan, Tyre, Sidon) are enumerated. This device effectively communicates the vast and diverse origins of the crowds, emphasizing the widespread and unprecedented reach of Jesus' fame. The phrase "a great multitude" functions as **Hyperbole**, or at least a strong emphasis, to underscore the overwhelming number of people drawn to Him, suggesting a nearly universal attraction. This is further reinforced by the **Cause and Effect** structure: the cause being "when they had heard what great things he did," and the effect being that they "came unto him." This highlights that Jesus' actions were the direct catalyst for this massive gathering, demonstrating the compelling nature of His power and compassion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:8 is a powerful testament to the inherent attractiveness of Jesus' person and ministry, even in the face of growing opposition. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereign plan to draw people from all nations to Himself, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel. The "great things" Jesus did were not mere parlor tricks but divine acts that authenticated His identity as the Son of God and demonstrated the dawning of God's kingdom. The willingness of people from diverse backgrounds, including Gentiles, to travel great distances highlights a deep spiritual hunger for truth, healing, and deliverance that only Jesus could satisfy. This verse serves as a reminder that the power of the Gospel is not limited by geographical or cultural boundaries, but resonates with the deepest needs of humanity.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission's Scope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:8 calls us to reflect on the magnetic power of Jesus Christ and the profound human need that draws people to Him. In a world still marked by suffering, brokenness, and spiritual searching, the "great things" Jesus did—and continues to do through His Spirit—remain the ultimate source of hope and transformation. This verse challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus: are we among those who, having heard of His power and grace, actively "come unto Him" with faith and expectation? Furthermore, it encourages us to be instruments through whom His fame can spread. Just as the crowds were drawn by what they "had heard," our testimonies and lives, transformed by Jesus, can be powerful catalysts for others to seek Him. We are called to share the good news of His healing, deliverance, and salvation, trusting that His inherent attractiveness will continue to draw people from every corner of the earth into His loving embrace, fulfilling His global mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great things" has Jesus done in your life, and how might sharing those stories draw others to Him?**
* **How does the widespread appeal of Jesus in Mark 3:8 encourage you in your own evangelistic efforts or prayers for the lost?**
* **In what ways might we, like the crowds, need to overcome geographical, cultural, or personal barriers to "come unto" Jesus more fully today?**

### FAQ
**Why did people from Gentile areas like Tyre and Sidon come to Jesus, given His primary ministry was to Israel?**

Answer: While Jesus' earthly ministry was primarily directed toward "the lost sheep of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")), His fame and the reports of His miraculous "great things" ([Mark 3:8](/mark/3-8 "Mark 3:8 - Crowds from All Regions")) transcended ethnic and religious boundaries. People from Gentile regions like Tyre and Sidon were likely drawn by the desperate need for healing and deliverance, as well as the sheer wonder of His power. Jesus did engage with Gentiles on occasion, such as the Syrophoenician woman ([Mark 7:24-30](/mark/7-24-30 "Mark 7:24-30 - The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith")), demonstrating that His compassion and power were not exclusively for Jews, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel message that would fully unfold after His resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:8, with its vivid depiction of diverse multitudes flocking to Jesus from far-flung regions, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "great things he did" were not just isolated miracles but tangible demonstrations of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, authenticating Jesus as the promised Messiah. These initial gatherings of Jews and Gentiles from Jerusalem, Idumaea, beyond Jordan, and Tyre and Sidon prefigure the universal call of the Gospel, where Jesus, as the resurrected Lord, commissions His followers to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). He is the true "light of the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")) and the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose drawing power extends to every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the crowds in Mark 3:8 are a microcosm of the global Church, gathered by the compelling power of Christ's saving work, demonstrating that His fame and transformative power are meant to reach the uttermost parts of the earth, drawing all humanity to Himself.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 35:15

As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, O mount Seir, and all Idumea, [even] all of it: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Isaiah 34:5

For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.

Ezekiel 36:5

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all [their] heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

Psalms 45:12

And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

Ezekiel 26:1

¶ And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first [day] of the month, [that] the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 26:21

I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.